Field hockey / Rule 09

Player conduct

FIH · 2026
Last checked: 15 October 2026
Source: Rules of Hockey including explanations — effective 1 March 2026 · Source pages: 27–30
In short

Control, feet and obstruction · Raised balls

On this pageControl, feet and obstructionRaised balls

Control, feet and obstruction

Players must not use the back of the stick, make dangerous challenges or obstruct a legitimate tackle. A touch on a foot or body is not automatically an offence: it must provide an advantage or be an intentional stopping position. A controlled ball above shoulder height is permitted if safe.

Raised balls

A hit must not be intentionally raised except for a shot at goal. Opponents must remain 5 m from the initial receiver of a falling raised ball until it is touched. Safe interception within 5 m is allowed outside playing distance. If the receiver is unclear, the team that raised it yields.

Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Independent summaries of the supplied FIH Rules of Hockey, effective 1 March 2026, for outdoor eleven-a-side hockey. Competition regulations and national implementation can differ. References use PDF pages.
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